~ Alaric ~
Alaric Storm lifted his head from his phone as Griffin plopped down beside him on the plush sofa. The school's common room was buzzing with chatters, the air still alive with the energy of their recent victory.
Members of the pack were scattered around, laughing, teasing, and riding the high of their win. But for Alaric, the noise barely registered. He felt detached from them, his mind occupied with something else.
"She still hasn't picked up?" Griffin asked, his voice cutting through the haze.
"Not exactly." Alaric sighed, holding up his phone. "She sent me a message."
Griffin leaned over to read it aloud. "Apologies. Would meet you at the party. Making some quick bucks."
He arched an eyebrow, mirroring Alaric's own puzzled expression. "What the hell does that mean? What's she up to now? Is she selling something? Betting on fights? You've got your hands full with that one," he added with a laugh.